• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.851-864
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• 2019

Multiple system atrophy is a neurodegenerative disease that causes diverse bodily dysfunctions (cerebellar, pyramidal, automatic, and urological, in any combination), as well as Parkinsonism. Patients with multiple system atrophy commonly display antecollis, a condition where the patient's head tilts forward more than 45 degrees. Despite its common occurrence in these patients, no current standardized therapies are effective for treating antecollis. In this study, Korean medicinal treatments, including Chuna manual therapy, pharmaco-acupuncture, bee venom acupuncture, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and moxibustion therapy, were administered to the patient over a 27-day period. After the treatment, assessments of the head position on the EPIS-PD scale (Part I) and at a standing position from the side (Part II) both revealed improvements. As the head flexion angle decreased, the patient's head posture improved, as determined by a decrease in angle from 80 degrees to 30 degrees in the upright, standing position. As a result, patients who previously were unable to walk without the support of walking frames could now roam freely and independently, with significant increases in both walking speed and distance. In essence, this study suggests that Korean medicine is an effective treatment for patients with multiple system atrophy who suffer from antecollis and gait disorders.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.89-106
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• 2022

Objectives In this study, a scoping review was conducted to inform decision-making related to traditional Korean medicine for people with disabilities in the future. Methods Seven databases were searched to find previous studies on traditional Korean medicine for people with disabilities. Studies published until August 2021 were considered. Using the methodology of scoping review, research on traditional Korean medicine for people with disabilities was reviewed with the following steps: 1) drawing research questions, 2) searching for related studies, 3) selecting studies, 4) extracting data, and 5) analyzing and reporting results. Results Out of 2,072 studies, 7 research papers and 10 reports were finally selected. The research papers included 5 cases studies, 1 survey study, and 1 chart review. Most studies used herbal medicine and acupuncture treatment, but the reports on the interventions were not detailed. The reports included policy studies, project performance guidelines, and project results reports, and most of the evaluation indicators tended to be standardized. Conclusions This study reviewed the literature on traditional Korean medicine for people with disabilities. It presents future directions for clinical research on traditional Korean medicine for people with disabilities and can be used to inform healthcare policies and clinical practice. In the future, quantitative research such as clinical trials, meta-analysis, and health insurance big data analysis is needed to understand the current status and effects of traditional Korean medicine for people with disabilities. In addition, qualitative research is necessary to identify unmet demands of traditional Korean medicine for people with disabilities.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.171-187
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• 2001

Objective : Moxibustion has been proved efficacious for many diseases, but isn't widespread in the clinics due to a danger of skin burning, the smoke produced while burning a moxa combustion and so on. Therefore, another type of moxa that can be resolved these troubles is required. To improve the effect of moxibustion and develop the new thermal stimulating treatment, the performance of commercial moxibustion widely used are studied systematically and found out quantitatively. Methods : We have selected two types (small-size moxa A(sMA), small-size moxa B (sMB)) among small-size moxaes used widely in the clinic. We examined combustion time, various temperatures, temperature gradient in each period during a combustion of moxa. Results : 1. The combustion time in the preheating period appeared somewhat longer in sMA than in sMB. 2, The combustion time in the heating period appeared longer in sMA by 26% than in sMB. 3. The average temperature in the heating period was $37.6{\sim}37.8^{\circ}C\;in\;sMA\;and\;36.2{\sim}36.8^{\circ}C$ in sMB and the maximum temperature measured at a center of contact surface in sMA was $48.6^{\circ}C$, higher by over $2.8^{\circ}C$ than that of sMB moxibustion. 4. The average ascending temperature gradient in the heating period was $0.08{\sim}0.1^{\circ}C/sec$ in both moxaes, and the average ascending temperature gradient of heating period in sMB appeared larger. The maximum ascending temperature gradient appeared higher in sMB, and the time reaching maximum ascending temperature gradient appeared much earlier in sMA than in sMB. 5. The combustion time in the retaining period was around 100 sec in sMA and around 275 sec in sMB. 6. The average temperature in the retaining period was $42.2{\sim}46.0^{\circ}C\;in\;sMA\;and\;39.3{\sim}41.4^{\circ}C/sec$ in sMB. The minimum temperature in the retaining period was over $38.80^{\circ}C$ in sMA but just $34.7^{\circ}C$ in sMB. 7. The average descending temperature gradient in sMA was $-0.050{\sim}0.067^{\circ}C/sec$ and in sMB was $-0.030{\sim}0.037^{\circ}C/sec$ 8. The combustion time in the cooling period appeared longer over two times in sMA than in sMB, and the time which the cooling period (minimum temperature) finished at appeared later in sMB by 55 sec. 9. We classified the combustion process that the measured temperature rose over body heat($37^{\circ}C$) into the effective combustion period. The effective combustion time was 233.3 sec in sMA and 300.4 sec in sMB respectively, and was longer by about 29% in sMB. The average temperature and maximum temperature in the effective combustion time appeared higher in sMA. The time taken until the maximum temperature was reached was 225.1 sec in sMA and 244.5 sec in sMB, faster by about 20 sec in sMA. The maximum ascending temperature gradient during the effective combustion period appeared larger about 1.4 times in sMB, but the time when the maximum ascending temperature gradient happened was faster in sMA. Conclusion : It appears that sMB, compared with sMA, is proper if necessary to apply the long time and weak stimulus, because of the gentle stimulus during the relatively longer time. In contrast, sMA that the symmetrical combustion happened is proper if necessary to apply the short time and strong stimulus.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.336-345
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• 1999

This study looks at the various alternative therapy methods used in day to day life by elderly, over 60 years of age. The elderly have come to know and practice these methods for the following reasons it is good for the health ; it is the method used in the of fen days when there wesn't modern medicine ; it has been passed down from generations ; it can be done at home without having the need to go to the hospital ; acupuncture or poulticing can be used ; it can be done at home, which was an important factor in rural areas where hospitals are few and far between ; and 〔herbal〕 medicine could be prepared at home at no cost ; it derives from experience ; it is impossible to ignore tradition passed down through the generations. Diet control and plants (herbs) are methods most often used. as they are easy to find and can be readily used in critical situations. Other methods include oriental medicine practices of moxibustion with moxa cone, negative therapy, hand and finger acupunture, finger press method. ordinary acupunture, manual healing methods of massage. diaphoretic therapy and meditation to reach a state of calm, and qigong dirigation. The reasons for its use are as follows ; it has been used before ; it is effective ; there is some improvement after the treatment ; it is not harmful to the body ; medicine cannot be obtained and it is the only thing available ; it is not good for an old person to go to the hospital everyday. the symptoms are not serious enough to go to a hospital : and acupuncture is for these things. The means that the elderly have come to practice these methods are : it has been used since the past ; it has been told by the elders ; they have been told by friends ; it was part of their knowledge ; and they have come to know by watching their mother. Further, to regain vitality lost through old age, the elderly have relied on hot soup. a hearty meal. brewed honey water, pumpkin, or ginseng. Humans, by instinct. would rub or massage the areas that caused pain. These actions, combined with a breathing technique have been recognized in Tong-Eui-Bo-Gam(the essential of eastern medicine), the complete work of early modern medicine, are a useful means to revive chi(기). This knowledge is thought to have greatly affected our heathy lifestyle. Furthermore, though the demand for medical services would increase with age, the elderly have not always been able to tend to their needs at the hospital for reasons economic or other. Hence, these alternative therapy methods seem to have been practiced as a temporary means of relief. The excellence of our traditional therapeutic custom has not received full recognition due to the argument relating to its scientific merits. As a result, it has become vital to prove their effectiveness through scientific and other experimental means. The potency of moxibustion with moxa cone and hand and finger acupunture have been proven scientifically. but diet and herbal methods appear to be practiced as a result of customs passed down from generations. In addition, it is submitted that the effectiveness of the traditional methods of disease control and our heathy lifestyle that are easily found in the nursing field must be verified.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.64-76
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• 2002

Objective : The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanism and effect of moxibustion objectively and to be used as the quantitative data for developing the new thermal stimulating treatment by observing the combustion characteristics of commercial moxaes. Methods : We have selected two types(large-size moxa A(LMA), large-size moxa B(LMB)) among large moxaes used widely in the clinic. We examined combustion times, temperatures, temperature gradients in each period during a combustion of moxa. Results : 1. The ascending temperature gradient measured in the central point of non-contacted surface was fastest, the average ascending temperature gradient of both moxaes was $0.0384^{\circ}C/sec$, $0.0123^{\circ}C/sec$ respectively, 3.1 times faster in LMA. The maximum ascending temperature gradient was also about 2.9 times faster in LMA. The time required for the maximum ascending temperature gradient from ignition was 254sec, 411sec respectively. 2. The minimum descending temperature gradient in the retaining period was $-0.0250^{\circ}C/sec$, $-0.0090^{\circ}C/sec$ respectively and the average descending temperature gradient was $-0.0160^{\circ}C/sec$, $-0.0037^{\circ}C/sec$ respectively on the non-contact surface. 3. On the basis of the non-contact surface($A_I$), the time at which the effective stimulus period began to occur was about 264sec, 796sec respectively after an ignition, the time at which the maximum temperature began to occur was about 373sec, 1323sec respectively after an ignition, and the maximum temperature was $0.9^{\circ}C$ higher in LMA. The maximum ascending temperature gradient was also about 4.2 times faster in LMA. Conclusion : It was thought that not only the figure of moxicombustion device, but also the form and size of moxa had influence on the combustion characteristics deciding the performance of stimulus seriously.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.33-53
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• 2017

Objectives This study was designed to review animal studies about the efficacy of herbal medicine for Rheumatoid arthritis animal model which was published in Korea after 2008. We also systematically investigated the reporting quality of the animal studies. Methods We systematically searched original articles in 8 databases since 2008. And manual searching was conducted through 10 Korean medicine journals from 2008. Studies were included if they used animal experimental model(s) with orally administered herbal medicine. Data were extracted regarding animal model, rheumatoid arthritis indicator and detail of intervention. Reporting quality of each study was also assessed by the STARA and ARRIVE guidelines. Results Nine hundred two articles were screened. Finally, 35 articles were included. 35 studies all showed that the herbal medicine used in the studies has significant effect on alleviating the macroscopic indicators, hematological indicators, histological indicators, genetic indicators, osteological indicator of Rheumatoid Arthritis and others. Species of animals was reported in 100% while ventilation and noise were reported in 0% in STRASA guidelines. Ethical statement was reported in 42.9%, experimental animals and sample size were reported in 24%, 29% and there was no study reporting funding. Conclusions These results suggest that herbal medicine might be effective treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis. It should be improved by clinical studies. And there is a need for studying about efficacy and safety of each specific herbal medicine. And we should improve the Reporting quality of the animal studies published in Korea.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.114-127
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• 2002

Objective : The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanism and effect of moxibustion objectively and to be used as the quantitative data for developing the new thermal stimulating treatment by observing the combustion time and temperature of commercial moxaes. Methods : We have selected two types(large-size moxa A(LMA), large-size moxa B (LMB)) among large moxaes used widely in the clinic. We examined combustion times, temperatures in each period during a combustion of moxa. Results : 1. The combustion time in the preheating period was about 30sec in both moxaes on the non-contact heated surface. 2. The combustion time in the heating period was about 345sec in LMA and about 1391 sec in LMB, about 4 times longer in LMB on the non-contact surface. 3. The maximum temperature in the heating period was $44.5^{\circ}C$ in LMA and $45.4^{\circ}C$ in LMB respectively, higher by $0.9^{\circ}C$ in LMB. The average temperature in the heating period was $35.5{\sim}37.6^{\circ}C$ in LMA and $36.0{\sim}39.8^{\circ}C$ in LMB, a little higher in LMB. 4. The combustion time in the retaining period in LMA was 45.4sec and 13% of that in the heating period, and in LMB 594.7sec and 43% of that in the heating period on the non-contact surface. 5. On the point(PH) measured maximum temperature, the average temperature during the retaining period was $44.0^{\circ}C$, $42.9^{\circ}C$ respectively and the temperature at an end of the retaining period was $43.0^{\circ}C$, $40.2^{\circ}C$ respectively. 6. The time at a beginning of the cooling period was about 418 sec from ignition in LMA and 2021sec in LMB, and the temperature at that time was $36.9{\sim}39.1^{\circ}C$ on the non-contact surface. Conclusion : It was thought that not only the figure of moxicombustion device, but also the form and size of moxa had influence on the combustion characteristics deciding the performance of stimulus seriously.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.213-218
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• 2003

This is a case report of a patient with Tourett's disorder treated by Ukgan-san. We evaluated the patient Tourett's disorder by behavior and sound. His tic behaviors like eye blinking, shoulder shrugging, head jerking, facial frimace have been shown frequently, and His phonic tic symptoms like coughing, throat clearing, sniffing have been presented frequently, too. We diagnosed his condition as Wind-syndrome Caused by Hyperactivity of Liver-yang by patient's redish face, taut pulse, Left umbilical throb. So we treated the patient with Ukgan-san. and the score of Yale Global Tic Severity Scale(YGTSS) was 30 at the start of treatment. and the score of YGTSS was 3 at the end. We found that Ukgan-san was effective for the patient with Tourett's disorder.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.1247-1260
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• 2009

This dissertation aims to study the five tastes in the Yellow Emperor's Canon of Internal Medicine. Medicinals as well as Foods are classified by the five tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty and pungent, which can be tasted by the tongue. With the development of the theory dealing with the medicinal properties, some flavors are summarized out of clinical actions of medicinals, therefore, there is a little difference between the flavors of medicinal herbs and the tastes got by tongue. Each taste acts on or has direct influence on a specific vital organ, and each of which has different physiologic actions. Taste also has a long-term or post digestive effect on the body and its metabolism. When each taste is consumed in moderation, it benefits the corresponding organ. Over-indulgence in any taste harms the organ and creates imbalance among the five vital organ systems. The Korean medicinal herbs with same flavor mostly possess similar actions while the medicinal herbs with different flavors show different actions in the treatment, which are shown as follows. Sour has absorbing, consolidating and astringent actions and acts on the liver. Bitter has the actions of drying or resolving dampness, purging and lowering and acts on the heart. Sweet has the nourishing, harmonizing and moistening actions and acts on the spleen. Pungent has an action of dispersing and promoting circulation of gi and blood and acts on the lungs. Salty has the effects of softening hard nodes or masses and promoting defecation, etc and acts on the kidneys. The five organ systems control and support each other. Proper coordination only exists when there is no one organ stronger or weaker than the rest. Since the five tastes have direct influences on the five organs, the diet we take should have a good combination of the five tastes in order to promote internal balance and harmony. They control our well-being and create dietary balance. Excessive consumption of any of these could result in adverse effects. In a word, when the properties of the five tastes respectively are distinguished, their natures and flavors cannot be separately considered. I think the harmonization of food and medicinals should be stressed on good nutritional diet to maintain good health. The traditional belief that food and medicine share the same origin is a part of Korean medicine tradition.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.205-216
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• 2024

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of Mindfulness & Loving Beingness (M&L) psychotherapy combined with traditional Korean medicine in treating acute sleep disorders in patients hospitalized following traffic accidents. Methods: We applied traditional Korean medicine treatments in conjunction with various mindfulness meditation techniques from M&L therapy, including Resource Mindfulness and Nourishment Brief Therapy. This study was conducted on three patients who reported acute sleep disorder symptoms on the first day of hospitalization following a traffic accident. The effectiveness of these interventions was assessed using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5-K), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), EuroQol 5-Dimension (EQ-5D), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC). Results: ISI and PCL-5-K scores showed significant improvements after treatment, indicating reduced sleep disturbances and stress symptoms. Additionally, EQ-5D and PGIC scores were enhanced, reflecting an overall improvement in quality of life. Conclusions: This study suggests that integrating M&L therapy with traditional Korean medicine could significantly improve symptoms in patients with acute sleep disorders following traffic accidents.